Sooke plugs into high-powered chargers

Sooke has joined the movement for green and sustainable transportation with the addition of two electrical vehicle (EV) charging stations.

The Prestige Oceanfront Resort is now home to a high-powered, 90 amp, EV charger, which will be open for public use, according to manager, Benjamin Leversedge.

The same charging station will also be installed at the Sooke Harbour House.

As a business that touts sustainability, Sooke Harbour House co-owner, Sinclair Philip, said the EV charger was a no brainer.

“We’ve always supported cars that advance the interest of our community in an environmentally positive way, and it’s one more logical step,” he said, adding the charging station will also be available to the public.

Both EV charging stations were installed by Sun Country Highway, which has developed a network of 500 charging stations across Canada.

Rob MacGregor, B.C. regional director for Sun Country Highway, said the company deemed Vancouver Island the most EV friendly region in Canada in July, after the company added a network of 18 charging stations.

“You can drive to Victoria, actually right through to Newfoundland on our EV charging infrastructure — right across the country on Highway 1,” he said.

MacGregor predicts that the momentum for electric vehicles will continue to grow on Vancouver Island.

“Vancouver Island sells more electric Leafs than anywhere else in Canada right now,” he said.

“The proliferation of electric vehicles is going to be more evident on this Island in the immediate future than anywhere else.”

MacGregor said it can take anywhere from 20 minutes to three hours to charge a vehicle, depending on the initial state of charge.

Mileage and cost of charge varies for each EV, but it generally costs between $1 to $4.